Detailed maps can help you plan your trip. Download the public use map and other trail and recreational activity maps.

Elk State Forest derives its name from the great numbers of elk that once thrived in the area. Located mainly in Elk and Cameron counties, it comprises almost 200,000 acres of northern hardwood forest. Today, visitors can once again see elk in the meadows and openings scattered throughout the state forest. This is one of eight state forests located in the PA Wilds region and features the Elk Country Visitor Center and a portion of the Elk Scenic Drive.

Proposed property exchange between DCNR and PGC near Benezette.DCNR-Bureau of Forestry and the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) are proposing an exchange of property interests in Benezette Township, Elk County, Pennsylvania. PGC proposes to convey 291.43 acres of State Game Lands 311 along the north and south sides of Gray Hill Road just west of Benezette. In return, the Bureau of Forestry proposes to convey 291.43 acres of Elk State Forest that is adjacent to State Game Lands 311 and near the Thunder Mountain Equestrian Trail just north of Benezette. Download the complete notice and map of the proposed exchange.

A 30-day period for public inquiry and/or comment commences June 6, 2015 and ends July 5, 2015. Oral or written comments or questions concerning this proposed exchange may be addressed to: Mr. Ryan Szuch, Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry, P.O. Box 8552, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8552; telephone: 717-787-2980; email: rszuch@pa.gov. All oral and/or written comments will become part of the official document used in the final decision process. Written documents are also available regarding the proposed land exchange by request.

Thunder Mountain Equestrian Trail changes forthcoming.Changes to the Thunder Mountain Equestrian Trail in Elk State Forest will safeguard natural resources and enhance the experience of all horseback riders. Download the press release and map.

To help protect the forest from invasive insects that can kill trees and devastate the ecosystem, please do not transport firewood over long distances. Firewood can harbor insects such as emerald ash borer. Cut or purchase your firewood where you intend to burn it.

History

The Elk State Forest derives its name from the great number of elk that once thrived in the area. Today, Pennsylvania's only wild elk herd can usually be found in the forests from the village of Benezette eastward into the Hicks Run watershed.

The old-forest in the Elk District consisted of magnificent white pine, hemlock, some red pine, mixed oaks and northern hardwoods, which included beech, sugar maple, birch, American chestnut, and black cherry. The first timber removed from the district was the white pine which was used for ship masts. Some of the finest white pine spar trees in the country were removed from Sterling Run between 1865 and 1872. After white pine became scarce, tanneries that formerly only used the bark of hemlock trees began selling the logs as lumber. Sawmills and logging camps became established throughout the region. Logs cut from the vast stands of hemlock were floated down streams such as the First Fork, the Driftwood Branch, and the Bennett's Branch of the Sinnemahoning Creek.

In 1915, the last log raft went down the Driftwood Branch, thus ending the hemlock logging era. The cut-over areas were further altered by vast wildfires that killed the remaining young trees. With the exception of a few virgin stands passed up by loggers, the old-growth forest in this area was gone.

The first purchase of land for the Elk State Forest was a 3,487-acre tract in Middle Jerry Run bought from D.R. Fullerton on May 31, 1900. Originally called Forest Reservations, these lands were purchased to re-establish a forest that had been nearly eliminated by cutting and burning.

DCNR Bureau of Forestry manages our state forests for their long-term health and productivity while conserving native wild plants. These forests are “working forests” and provide a whole suite of uses and values to Pennsylvania citizens, all while maintaining the forest’s wild character. Our state forests are managed for pure water, recreation, scenic beauty, plant and animal habitat, sustainable timber and natural gas, and many other uses and values. The management of our state forests is guided by the State Forest Resource Management Plan.

The Bureau of Forestry has adopted “ecosystem management” as its principal strategy for managing state forests. This approach seeks to conserve the natural patterns and processes of the forest while advancing long-term sustainability. Ecosystem management promotes the conservation of plant and animal communities and the landscapes and habitats that support them. It also accounts for needs and values of people and communities. This results in a holistic, integrated approach to managing forest resources.

A Working Forest

As you travel throughout the state forest, you’ll see examples of our forests “at work.” Some of these management practices are more noticeable than others, such as active timber harvests, deer exclosure fences, natural gas drilling sites, prescribed fires and gypsy moth spraying. Others are more subtle, such as the protection of a vernal pool, the buffering of a stream from timber harvesting, or the setting aside of a special area to conserve its wild character or protect a rare plant community. Each of these management practices and activities play a vital role in the management and conservation of our state forest system.

Certified “Well Managed”

Pennsylvania’s 2.2-million-acre state forest system is one the largest certified forests in North America. The forest is certified (FSC-C017154) under the Forest Stewardship Council™ standards. The FSC® is an independent organization supporting environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial, and economically viable management of the world's forests.

The Elk State Forest offers some of the best opportunities for both experienced and inexperienced hikers to enjoy Pennsylvania’s remote and scenic woodlands. Currently, there are 17 featured trails on the state forest.

The Bucktail Path

The Bucktail Path begins near Sizerville State Park and extends southward approximately 34 miles to the village of Sinnemahoning. The trail can be traversed in short sections, if desired, providing both an enjoyable experience for the beginning hiker and a challenging one for the veteran. Individuals hiking this trail can observe both northern hardwood and oak hickory forest types.

The Quehanna Trail

The Mosquito Creek Bridge on the Quehanna Trail is temporarily closed due to flood damage.

The Quehanna Trail, located in the southern part of Cameron County, loops though the Quehanna Wild Area and surrounding state forest land, covering approximately 17 miles on the Elk State Forest. The trail continues into the Moshannon State Forest for another 58 miles.

Other hiking trails of special note in the district are: The Fred Woods Trail, a 4.57 mile trail leads hikers to a unique area of large boulders and scenic vistas; The Pine Tree Trail, a 1.75 mile self-guided interpretive hike winds through The Pine Tree Natural Area; The Elk Trail, traverses 15.8 miles of old logging railroad grades, pipelines, logging roads, and trails. Hikers have an opportunity to view free-roaming elk in their eastern habitat along this trail. The Lower Jerry Run Natural Area Trail is a 1.1 mile trail that takes you into the headwaters of Lower Jerry Run and the Lower Jerry Run Natural Area, which contains old growth white pine and eastern hemlock.

The Sizerville Nature Trail is a self-guided trail located on state forest land across from SizervilleState Park. A brochure describing numbered sights along the trail is available at the district office and at the trail head.

The Elk State Forest offers some of the best opportunities for both experienced and inexperienced hikers to enjoy Pennsylvania’s remote and scenic woodlands. Currently, there are 17 featured trails on the state forest.

Our two premier trails are Bucktail Path and Quehanna Trail. Bucktail Path begins near Sizerville State Park and extends southward approximately 34 miles to the village of Sinnemahoning. The trail can be traversed in short sections, if desired, providing both an enjoyable experience for the beginning hiker and a challenging one for the veteran. Individuals hiking this trail can observe both northern hardwood and oak hickory forest types. The Quehanna Trail, located in the southern part of Cameron County, loops though the Quehanna Wild Area and surrounding state forest land, covering approximately 17 miles on the Elk State Forest. The trail continues into the Moshannon State Forest for another 58 miles.

Other hiking trails of special note in the district are: Fred Woods Trail, a 4.57 mile trail leads hikers to a unique area of large boulders and scenic vistas; Pine Tree Trail, a 1.75 mile self-guided interpretive hike winds through Pine Tree Natural Area; Elk Trail, traverses 15.8 miles of old logging railroad grades, pipelines, logging roads, and trails. Hikers have an opportunity to view free-roaming elk in their eastern habitat along this trail. Lower Jerry Run Natural Area Trail is a 1.1-mile trail that takes you into the headwaters of Lower Jerry Run and the Lower Jerry Run Natural Area, which contains old growth white pine and eastern hemlock.

The Sizerville Nature Trail is a self-guided trail located on state forest land across from Sizerville State Park. A brochure describing numbered sights along the trail is available at the district office and at the trail head.

Motorized (including equestrian) and group camping are available at managed sites on the Elk State Forest.

The Hicks Run camping area is located along West Hicks Run about 2.2 miles off of State Route 555. This facility offers 15 designated sites (4 nonelectric tent and 11 nonelectric motorized) through a first come permitting system.

Dark Hollow (10 nonelectric motorized sites) and Gas Well (5 nonelectric motorized sites) equestrian camping areas are located along Bell Draft Road about 5.25miles from Benezette. These two camping areas offer equestrian user’s a total of 15 designated sites through a first come permitting system. Self-contained portable toilets are required at these two camping areas.

Please contact the District Office for site availability and permit acquisition.

Hunting

Hunting for deer, turkey, grouse, black bear and other wildlife is a popular use of the forest during designated seasons.

Fishing

Fishing is available during the appropriate season along 120 miles of trout streams, which wind through Elk State Forest, such as Hicks Run, Hunts Run, Brooks Run, and Cowley Run.

Sightseeing

Elk State Forest offers many opportunities for sightseeing, scenic drives (featuring a large portion of the Elk Scenic Drive), wildlife watching, and panoramic views from several vistas. Depending on the season, a scenic drive along a state forest road could reveal not only the fall coloration, but also an awe-inspiring view of a fresh snowfall, spring blossoms of the Juneberry and dogwoods, followed by mountain laurel and rhododendron flowers, and a summer’s view of young wildlife. An alert visitor may view elk. A popular elk viewing destination in the state forest is the state of the art Elk Country Visitor Center.

The Thunder Mountain Equestrian Trail system is approximately 30 miles in length with the majority of trail encircling our Dark Hollow and Gas Well Equestrian Camping Areas in two separate loops. The remaining trail mileage spurs off of these two loops.

Mountain Biking

Mountain bikes may be used on most roads including the gated timber sale roads on the Elk State Forest. Trails and other areas closed to mountain biking include Natural Areas, district designated hiking trails, and State Forest Hiking Trails, such as the Quehanna Trail System and the Bucktail Path. Call the office for more information.

Winter Activities

Elk State Forest offers approximately 100 miles of snowmobile trails, as well as 23 miles of cross-country ski trails. Many additional miles of roads and trails are available for cross-country skiing when snowfall is suitable.

Pennsylvania’s state forest system includes dozens of special wild and natural areas set aside to protect unique or unusual biologic, geologic, scenic and historical features or to showcase outstanding examples of the state’s major forest communities. Natural areas are “managed” by nature and direct human intervention is limited. They provide places for scenic observation, protect special plant and animal communities and conserve outstanding examples of natural beauty. Wild areas are generally extensive tracts managed to protect the forest’s wild character and to provide backcountry recreational opportunities.

Quehanna Wild Area

This area was once an industrial complex leased to the Curtis Wright Corporation for jet engine and nuclear research. It was returned to the Commonwealth in 1966. In the early 1990’s the elk herd expanded its range into this 50,000 acre tract. The Quehanna Wild Area is jointly administered by Elk and Moshannon state forest districts. Snowmobiling, vehicular camping, and off-road vehicle use are prohibited to protect the wild character of the area.

Square Timber Wild Area

At approximately 8,461 acres (a portion of which is in The Bucktail State Park Natural Area); this area features deep narrow valleys and steep ridges.

Johnson Run Natural Area

This 216 acre natural area features an old growth hemlock-hardwood mix.

Lower Jerry Run Natural Area

This 892 acre natural area is noted for its old growth pine and hemlock trees.

Pine Tree Trail Natural Area

This 276 acre gem features a stand of old-field growth white pine.

Bucktail State Park Natural Area

This is a 75-mile scenic drive from Emporium to Lock Haven and contains views of some 16,433 acres in the Elk and Sproul state forests. All state owned land visible from PA Route 120 (rim to rim along the Susquehanna River and Sinnemahoning Creek) was legislated “State Park” status in 1933 at a time when the Department of Forests and Waters did not have a state park system. The “Bucktail” is considered a memorial honoring the Civil War volunteers who traveled this route to do their part for the Union. In 1975 it was designated a state Natural Area.

M.K. Goddard/Wykoff Run Natural Area

This 1,215 acre tract is an area representing hydric hemlock and white birch forests.

This 245 acre facility located in Elk County is jointly operated by DCNR’s Bureau of State Forestry and State Parks. The 7,000-square foot Elk Country Visitor Center includes interpretive exhibits, wildlife trails and viewing blinds, year-round restrooms and parking for cars and buses. Foodplots maintained by the Pennsylvania Game Commission provide visitors an opportunity to view free roaming elk.

For more information and maps to State Parks visit the "Find a Park" page.

Elk State Park

This 3,192 acre state park is located in Elk County offers picnicking and hunting. It features an 1,160 acre lake that provides opportunities for fishing and boating in the summer months and ice boating, skating, and fishing in the winter.

Sizerville State Park

This 386 acre park is located in Potter and Cameron Counties and offers picnicking, hunting, and hiking on five miles of trails. Swimming is available in a park pool and fishing is popular in Cowley Run which runs through the park. Camping is offered at 23 sites (18 with electric and 5 non-electric walk-in tent). The park also offers cross-country skiing and is a major trailhead to the Elk State Forest’s snowmobile system.

Bendigo State Park

This 100 acre park located in Elk County offers picnicking and a swimming pool. It features a one acre lake that provides opportunities for cold water fishing. Sledding is a popular winter activity in this state park.

Sinnemahoning State Park

This 1,910 acre park is located in Potter and Cameron counties and offers picnicking, hunting, and hiking on five miles of trails. The 142 acre lake provides opportunities for fishing and boating and boat mooring and launching are available. This park also features 35 campsites (33 with electric and 2 non-electric walk-in tent) and a modern cabin. Winter activities here include ice skating and fishing, as well as five miles of snowmobile trails.

Kinzua Bridge State Park

This park was famous for the 2,053-foot Kinzua railroad bridge which has been designated as a National Engineering Landmark. A section of the bridge collapsed in July 2003 during a storm event. This 316 acre Mckean County also offers picnicking, hunting, hiking, and cold water fishing in Kinzua Creek as well as an organized-group tenting area.

For more information about Elk State Forest, feel free to contact us at: